New Delhi, 30 December. Mahishini Kolone, Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to India, praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s exemplary leadership on Tuesday. She expressed gratitude for the assistance provided by India during the recent Cyclone Ditvah that affected Sri Lanka.
Speaking to Daily Kiran, she said, “We see Prime Minister Modi as a significant voice for the Global South and on the international stage. He is a highly respected leader, and the people of Sri Lanka consider him a dear friend—one who has stood by Sri Lanka in difficult times. During the Easter Sunday attacks in April 2019, when Sri Lanka was shattered and travel advisories were issued, Prime Minister Modi visited within six weeks, which greatly helped to restart our tourism and boost our economy.”
Regarding India’s role during Cyclone Ditvah, the High Commissioner stated, “India promptly reached out to Sri Lanka within hours to provide various forms of assistance. During rescue operations, relief efforts, and medical aid, India deployed helicopters, sent relief supplies, and dispatched doctors, offering us multifaceted support. As I mentioned, India has stood with us during the reconstruction and recovery phases, and this is not the first time.”
Giving an update on the post-cyclone situation, she added, “The cyclone has passed. Relief and rescue work has now concluded. Basic services and connectivity have been restored. As you may know, India has provided significant assistance to Sri Lanka.”
She further said, “Operation Sagar Bandhu began while the cyclone’s impact was still ongoing; now we have moved into the next phase. The Sri Lankan government has released emergency funding. Those whose homes were destroyed are currently staying in camps.”
On the longstanding partnership between Sri Lanka and India, Kolone said, “India has consistently emerged as a trusted and reliable partner for Sri Lanka. The people of Sri Lanka view India as a dependable ally who has stood by us repeatedly.”
Speaking about trade relations, she noted, “As you may be aware, India and Sri Lanka signed a Free Trade Agreement in 1998, which was the first such agreement between the two nations. Since then, our trade partnership has grown, and India is now Sri Lanka’s largest trading partner. However, there is a need to upgrade the FTA, and we hope negotiations on this will begin soon.”
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My name is Bhupendra Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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